Pats vs. Broncos 3:05pm CBS
Broncos are the home underdog here by 3 points, but all week nobody has given the Broncos defense the credit they deserve. They're a well rounded group that can make it difficult for Tom Brady to move the ball, especially with guys like Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. These guys are hungry and the media has shown them virtually no respect in the week leading up to this game. If the defense can give Peyton chances to take the lead in the first half I think the Broncos can pull it off.
This game hinges on a number of aspects, first and foremost the Broncos running game. They HAVE to run Anderson and Hillman to wear out the Pats D and open up the passing game for Peyton. Malcolm Butler and Chandler Jones are playing out of their minds right now and I expect both of them to leave their mark on this one.
The Pats are 24-3 the past two seasons with Gronk and Edelman playing, and just 4-5 in games 1 or both has not played. These two undoubtedly change the tempo of the Pats offensive game. Last week Brady dropped back to pass 42 times and they only generated 38 rushing yards. Expect Brady to throw more than those 42 times in this one, as the Broncos run D has proven to be stout. The Pats have been successful for years without a real feature back, but who knows what Belichick has up his sleeve.
The pick: Pats show they came ready to play and strike first against the Broncos. The Broncos defense keeps Peyton and co. in the game and CJ Anderson shows off his breakaway speed. Peyton doesn't fall easily, as he finds his guy DeMaryius Thomas to pace the offense. A late touchdown by the Pats gives the Broncos no time to strike back and the Pats prevail 30-24.
PATS -3
OVER 45
Panthers vs Cards 6:40pm FOX
The Panthers haven't lost a home game since November 2014. They are 9-0 at home this year and have outscored their opponents by 15 PPG. That's just a ridiculous stat that needs to be said because as good as Arizona is, they have a huge challenge today. Two extremely talented defensive units in this one as in Pats/Broncos matchup (no coincidence).
I think Arizona definitely has the deeper team, but having a guy named Cam Newton on your team should provide enough firepower. If the Panthers are able to hold David Johnson then Carson Palmer will have a very hard time moving the ball. We saw it in last week's game, Johnson had 15 carries for just 35 yards, and the Cardinals had just 40 rushing yards. That number will have to go north if the Cardinals want to win this one. Larry Fitz showed why he is regarded as one of the best WRs in history last week, but I think Norman has something to say for it this week. It'll be interesting to see how the Panthers plan to stop the Cardinals potent passing game. The Cardinals will have space to throw the ball in this one, as Russ Wilson did last week against them.
After seeing how Palmer struggled against a pedestrian Packers defense it makes it hard for me to believe he's going to show out in this one. Bruce Arians has to give Johnson the ball 20+ and let him show off what a beast he can be. This will make guys like Michael Floyd and Fitz weapons for Palmer to find downfield.
It also has to be noted that Jared Allen is OUT for today's game. Don't think this hurts them tremendously, and I still think the Panthers frontline can create pressure.
The pick: The game is low-scoring and a battle of two very talented defenses. Jonathan Stewart finds the endzone which allows Newton to hook-up with his boy Greg Olsen to set the tempo for the rest of the game. The Cardinals prove a worthy opponent, Carson makes some good throws early on which keeps the Panthers defense on their heels. Arians runs Johnson into the ground 25 times, and he scores today. This game is a dogfight until the very end, but the Panthers find a way to get it done, 23-19.
PANTHERS -3
UNDER 47
No comments:
Post a Comment